"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth"
Jesus came to fulfill the law. He was the Word become flesh. When he presented the doctrine of his Father he was presenting himself as its fulfillment. He said with vehemence what he as the Man the message would do. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." His death was in dishonor but in his resurrection he proved the Power of the Word Simon Peter addressing men of Israel speaks,"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:/Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."(Ac.2:23-24). He opened a new way, the path of righteousness. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."(1 Co.1:30). All who followed him shall have a standard which is affixed by faith and not by praditions or by precepts of men. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
This is the power given to men.
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Here we have a demonstration of what one means by Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and forever. Mark 16:18 supplied us signs and 'in my name' what happen. "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." St Paul in Malta proved the viper did not hurt him in fulfillment of the word. Elisha in Gilgal was told by sons of the prophets, "O thou man of God, there is death in the pot." They were not hurt because Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Law or the Word. (2 Ki.4:38-41) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending."
The Spirit in organizing the Alpha and Omega aspects of the Son brings out the word of God as true which is validated in his Son. The world made flesh and the word revealed by the humanity works equally well with all those who believe in him. An example we have in the Gospel of St Mark. In the last chapter the risen Christ gives the signs that shall follow the believers. It is valid only, 'in my name' for example "They shall take up serpents." ( Mark 16:18), the Spirit adds "And it shall not hurt them."
The Spirit gives us an example in the case of St Paul on the isle of Malta.
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand./And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live./And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm./Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." (Ac.28:3-6)
From lack of understanding with regards to the Holy Spirit and the purpose of the scripture there are some children of Belial in our times who handle serpents as a test of their spiritual prowess. Is God to be tempted by serpent handling?
Mark 16:61-72 Simon Peter denied Christ before the maid who kept the door of the chief priest's palace. "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee (Matt.26-69)". In the darkness Simon Peter's voice betrayed him. 'Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee (v.73)'. Voice carries much more significance than the mere sound of it. The words that Jesus spoke was not his own. 'He who hears me hears who sent me ( Luke 10:16). Simon Peter forsook all in order to become his disciple. In denying Christ he was also denying the voice of the Lord he heard. Principle of Association (Matt.10:40).
Voice recognition of a Christian is in the way truth in his inward parts matches with his action. Voice of the Lord is dealing with the living word and it is to bring out the full potential of man. It is truth written in his inward parts that places his words and actions in harmony. (1 Co.14:7)
There are a few places in Acts that speak of the whole household being baptized. it doesn't explicitly exclude babies and children. For those who adhere to infant baptism, it is seen as entering into a covenant with God an His community of faith-filled believers. Infant baptism is seen as bringing upon an infant the saving work of God in Christ as parents obey the command of Jesus to baptize ALL nations and instruct these who are baptized in the life of faith in Jesus. Those who practice infant baptism recognized that all are born dead to God and need to be made alive in Christ, which they believe happens through baptism of infants and children because their parents' consent to obey this command of Christ. These believe that the Holy Spirit implants faith in the infant or child in baptism, whereas before they had not faith to believe. They believe in such baptism all the work is done by God in the infant or child. He gives the faith, He gives the forgiveness of sins with the washing of His Word (the gospel) spoken over the child. Denominations that practice infant baptism besides Catholicism are Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian/Anglican, and perhaps others.
Others, who do not embrace infant baptism, allow for children to be baptized upon an open confession of faith in Christ by the child. Some have an age limit, others do not because Jesus said that we are not to hinder children from coming unto him.
Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; Acts 2:3; , Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33Acts 22:16
Others only allow what is called "believer's baptism" where one must believe the gospel in order to be baptized. Jesus says in Mark 16:16 to believe and be baptized. See also: Acts 2:41; Acts 16:18:8
I think that there is Biblical merit to all of these teachings about Baptism. Each person must pray for the Holy Spirit to lead them as to whether or not their children should be baptized when very young.
"Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake (v.22)"
Who are these sons of Belial? In the Book of Deuteronomy we are shown what they do. You shall know them by their fruits. They have certain zeal but not according to the knowledge as St Paul writes,"that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge(Ro.10:2)"."Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;(De.13:13.)"
These men whose activism is to make others much more worthy of hell by their heretical mindset are sons of Belial. Jesus calls such who know the truth but would not live accordingly as hypocrites. "Hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves(Matt.23:15)". In short they hold their truth in unrighteousness. Their heart is without borders so when they handle serpents they shall not let another ask,'do you have to tempt God' they point to the verse from the gospel ( Mark 16:17) and conveniently ignore the call of Jesus,"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me( Luke 9:23)". 'Denying himself goes with taking up the cross daily which are only two legs for the one who wants to be part of the body of Christ. His eye must be ever on the way followed by Jesus, 'Not my will but thine'.
Sons of Belial are those who have no vision."Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he(Pr.29:18)".
Heavenly Father, You told us in Mark 16:18 to heal the sick and they shall recover. So we pray that Linda B. be healed. We pray that no tumor return. God, I pray that Linda B. give herself totally to You and that her walk with You be closer. Thank You Jesus for Your love mercy and grace, by Your stripes Linda B. is healed. Amen
Jesus set me free from the bar business and I got baptized in Jesus name Acts 2:38,39
Luke 24:47,48Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
The way I interpret your question is how much must I obey God to get into heaven? What is the bare minimum?
Because some feel inconvenienced to follow Jesus- whether embarrassment or other excuses. And do you have to obey the 10 commandments or any of the other commandments in the Bible? You already know what God says- He called them "commandments" for a reason, but some want to be comforted and hear that you can do whatever you want, whatever feels good, in this world and be ok? If that the hope, that's Satan's message.
It looks like this has received a lot of comments. Some are pushing false teachings which should be called out. It doesn't matter what man says, but what God says, right? Isn't it better to please God than please man?
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 KJV
This clearly says to be a doer of the Word. It's not enough to just hear it and do nothing. Christianity is an action. I don't see anywhere in the Bible saying you're saved on earth before you're even judged. Please share verses that back that up, because I haven't seen any. I see verses saying you can have assurance of salvation. There's verses saying we will be saved, but it doesn't say right now before our life is even over- I believe that's the assumed part that deviates from scripture.
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
Baptism:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
I think its risky to intentionally disobey Jesus, then expect all the benefits.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46
If you don't obey, why even call him Lord? You're not even a follower. This is my interpretation of what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 7:24-27 - Jesus's point of this parable is obeying Him. "doing" "doeth"
after the sabbath day 3 women bought sweet spices so that they could anoint Jesus early in the morning they went to the sepulchre and when they where there the stone was rolled away and then they enterd into the sepulchre then they saw a man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment
and then he said that they should tell his disciples and peter that they should go to galilee to see Jesus and then they went and told them but they did not believe them but still went and then Jesus said to them Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. and then when he was done talking he went to heaven and sat on the right side of God
No, it isn't. When someone shares God's truth it honors God. Like these verses:
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Matthew 28:19
John 3:5
Ephesians 4:5
It already says what it says and means what it means, whether someone likes it or not. You can't pick and choose which scriptures you like or dislike like a buffet-style Christianity. I don't think Jesus would approve of that. Water baptism sure was important to Jesus, so much so He was baptized Himself as an example. Wow, God was water baptized so there's no doubt whatsoever what someone needs to do to follow Jesus. Seems like a pretty big crystal clear sign, but people will still find excuses and rationalizations to disobey as they always do.
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 3:21 KJV
Does this verse above say baptism doth NOT save us, or that it does? I didn't write this, God did. Are your words in perfect alignment with what God said here? Does it say that baptism is unimportant and should be avoided and definitely do NOT be baptized or does it say the opposite of that?
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Matthew 28:19
John 3:5
Ephesians 4:5
It sure seems very important based on these verses, do you agree? Blatant disobedience is not a sign of a true Christian according to what the Bible says.
John 15:10
I've never understood how someone can call himself a Christian but aim to do the very minimum they assume they need to do in order to get to heaven. I don't think Jesus is a bare minimum type of being. He wants all of you like the greatest commandment says: Matthew 22:37-38. It doesn't say love God with only part of your heart and pick and choose whatever you're comfortable with in obeying and its totally cool if you don't do 50% of the stuff in the Bible. The life of a Christian is to be a slave to righteousness. It's not just a get out of hell free card to enjoy following satan and do whatever lust the heart desires. Most will cry Lord Lord at the end assuming they're saved, but will not be. These are people that tell everyone they're saved and will be devastated on how they got it wrong and actually didn't love Jesus like they claimed.
I briefly went through your reply and will read it again when time permits.
It's late here on the east coast.
However we disagree on what I gathered so far.
I believe the purpose of John baptism was to turn the hearts of the people away from Judaism to Christ, not only by what he said but by the area and the audience he approached and by what his Father said.
Luke 1:67-69. "And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
AND hath raised up an horn of salvation for "US" in the house of his servant David;
Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts TILL THE DAY OF HIS SHEWING UNTO ISRAEL.
John came preaching in the wilderness of Judaea.
The religion in that area was Judaism. If publicans was in the that area they witnessed and was aware of the God of the Israelites. " John said prepare the way for the Lord.
They knew that was the God of the Jews.
And Mark 16:16 it says "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED.
"It doesn't say he that is not baptized shall be damned"
If you were standing in the way of my view of something and I said; "Sit down and get out the way"
When you sit down you would have gotten out the way. "You would have accomplished both "
That's the way I take Mark 16:16.
When they believed they were baptized.
It's the Baptism of the Holyspirit mentioned here, Not water. And If it was water baptism it's the believing or not believing that would make the difference here.
As for the creeds. One baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I believe that.
That's the baptism of the Holyspirit. The only baptism that can put you in the body of Christ.
Well this is what the verse in Mark 16:16 says, "He that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"
Note that it says "believe and be baptised", not just "believe". Similarly on Pentecost Peter said to the Jews, Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, AND BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.". So we must repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus to have our sins forgiven and be saved.
In Romans 10:9, says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.". That confession the scripture talks about is done during baptism. It is what that eunuch confessed just before Philipp baptised him, Acts 9:37, "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
In w/baptism a believer is making a public confession of their faith to Jesus. It is a "must" so that the remission of sins is completed.
Just for information the early church wrote many creeds of faith. One of the them was the Nicene Creed written in 325 AD in Nicea (in Asia Minor). Among others it says "We affirm(aknowledge or confess) one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.". Creeds were a sum of the major points of faith believed by the early church. I know many do not want to have anything to do with those creeds but still it shows what the church believed in the early 3rd centuary, not so long after Jesus came on earth.
Tomorow I will come back with Baptism of the Holly Spirit.
Just one question. In the incident that Phillip went to Samaria and preached the gospel to them, when do you think those people were born again?
Khalid Mansoor Soomro is from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He was an ardent follower of Muhammad until he decided to put a challenge to some Christian students at his school. This dramatic testimony tells the first-person perspective of how a Muslim convert came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Khalid's Story
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." ( Mark 16:15, NKJV)
I belong to a Muslim family. When I was 14 years old, I was studying in a convent school in Pakistan. My parents had forced me to learn the Qur'an by heart when I was seven, and so I did. I had a lot of Christian fellows (or acquaintances) at school and was surprised to see them studying because I had always found Christians to be of a low profile in the society.
I discussed and argued a lot with them about the accuracy of the Qur'an and rejection of the Bible by Allah in the Holy Qur'an. I wanted to force them to accept Islam. Often my Christian teacher told me not to do so. He said, "God may choose you as he chose the Apostle Paulus." I asked him to explain who Paulus was because I knew Muhammad only.
A Challenge
One day I challenged the Christians, suggesting that we each burn the other's Holy book. They should burn the Qur'an, and I should do the same with the Bible. We agreed: "The book which would burn, would be false. The book which would not burn would have the truth. God himself would save his Word."
The Christians were frightened by the challenge. Living in an Islamic country and doing such a thing could lead them to face the law and meet its consequences. I told them I would do it by myself.
With them watching, first, I set the Qur'an on fire, and it burned before our eyes. Then I attempted to do the same with the Bible. As soon as I tried, the Bible struck my chest, and I fell to the ground. Smoke surrounded my body. I was burning, not physically, but from a spiritual fire. Then suddenly I saw a man with golden hai
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
We, as humans, can forgive one another without shedding our blood as a sacrifice for the sins of others to bring about forgiveness.
But we should understand that God' s holiness and righteousness far exceeds our own and the offense of even one sin is so great God that it involves the sinner being separated from God eternally unless atonement is made through the blood of His Son.
The blood of Jesus removes the infinite offense to God of even one sin, let alone the sins of the whole world for all time. We cannot compare God's requirements for forgiveness to man's.
We are sinners, God is pure and sinless. We have no sense of what His perfection is like. However, we are told that the plan of salvation was made even before anything was created. So, God's counsel is beyond us to know completely. But Scripture tells just that blood must be shed for sins to be forgiven and that the animal sacrifices of the OT are shadows pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus which is of infinite value compared to that of animals or of sinful mankind.
How precious is this sacrifice of Jesus, the shedding of His blood and the dying of His perfect body on the cross. His sacrifice has made a way for mankind to be reconciled back to God, turning away God's wrath from us and restoring us to God in Jesus' righteousness.
This is the way God has deemed as the only best way for our sins to be forgiven, not by sacrifices we make or offerings, or prayers or religious practices on our part, but only through the shed blood of Jesus unto His death for us.
Throughout the Old Testament and of the shadows of the Son of Man you will see that God had always ordained a plan of redemption to be made for mankind after the fall. This is why God would provide a lamb to be slain in Genesis when Abraham offered his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Or how Judah wanted to intercede for Benjamin's captivity in Egypt or even how Moses wanted to die for the children of Israel when they committed the grave sin of worshiping another god despite their recent commitment. God did not want man to suffer for another man, instead he sent his own begotten Son to intercede for us,
through the punishment and fulfillment of the cross and the judgment of sin, where he became sin for us. Now that it is done, God has completed His plan of salvation for us and all we have to do is believe; and this is his grace and the new covenant which is his body and his blood.
God had already shown Adam and Eve that when they were in their fallen state and were without the Spirit of God (for He had left the moment they sinned to eat the fruit), He clothed them when they were naked and provided for them. He had to kill animals and taught them and their generations that there is no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood. For it is written in Leviticus 17:11; "For the life of the flesh is in the blood."
Now there is one whose life and blood is more precious than that of bulls and goats; which is he who is life itself: Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice that was made, is made once and lasts forever, and there shall be no more need or time when a new sacrifice needs to be made. Jesus had come in the flesh to tell us these things, to tell us the truth about him because he and the Father are one and he came to show us the Father himself. "Jesus answered: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
Hello Ellen. There is no verse to assist you about 'ushering' (and this I take to mean, to guide folk concerning the Church or to assist them to their seats). This position did not exist in the early Church (as in the New Testament), so there would be no reference to such a service in a Fellowship.
The only references I can think of that the Church can appoint as assistants, are found in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles felt that their ministry was being diverted from the Word of God to looking after the physical needs of others (such as to the widows needing help). And the other mention of this type of ministry, which comes under the umbrella of 'deacon', or a part of the office of the 'diaconate', is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, concerning the character & Christian witness of those men so employed.
1st Peter 3:21, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us {not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,} by the resurrection of Jesus Christ". [Bible also says even 8 souls were saved by water in the days of Noah & the ark].
Colossians 21:12, "Buried w him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen w him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead".
Mark 16:16, " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned".
Mark 16:17, "And these signs which will follow them that believe, In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues".
Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Ghost. Then we must walk in the Spirit & be led by the Spirit. So many say they have the Holy Ghost & they do not. If we dont love this truth, we will be deceived.
We must OBEY the gospel, not just read it. The epistles are not written to the world. It is written to the brethren, to the people that came from the book of Acts. They were water baptized in Jesus name, filled w the Holy Ghost & were a saved people.
There was no such thing as a triune God. It is a devil lie.
The Lord our God is one Lord.
Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven in Matthew.
Matthew 16:19, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven".
There is a remnant that will be saved.
We must continue to grow in the Lord . Never be comfortable.
Dont be like the 5 foolish virgins that did not keep their oil burning.They were not keeping the Holy Ghost full in their hearts. In the end, they were not allowed into the door.
Be full of the Holy Ghost & love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind & strength & love thy neighbor as thyself. With love, this is how we obey his commandments.
"42And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath(FRIDAY), 43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
Mark 16:1-2,
"1And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2And very early in the morning the first day of the week(SUNDAY), they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun."
Hello Dc730banks. All we are given in the Bible is that Jesus arose from the grave (sepulchre) on the "first day of the week", i.e. after the end of the Sabbath Day which was at sundown on the seventh day (Saturday): Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2,9.
Jesus was taken down from the Cross & laid in the sepulchre prior to the commencement of the Sabbath (i.e. before Friday sundown), was in the grave the rest of Friday night, all day Saturday, & into the early hours of Sunday (considered three days). Then it was at day-break Sunday that the two Marys went to the sepulchre & learned that Jesus had risen from the dead. And this first day of the week (Sunday), was celebrated by the apostles & early Church (as it is now) in Christian fellowship, teaching & communion ( Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Hi Spencer GBU....But the new covenant is all inclusive.... Jeremiah 31:34 I will KNOW them ALL from the least to the greatest...and their sins and iniquities will i remember no more...That New Covenant is by the blood of Jesus...If i be lifted up ( his blood ) I will draw ALL MEN unto me...Thats everybody...An all inclusive Covenant.
Matthew 20:1-16....The vineyard...Some were hired early and some were hired late...But in the end they were ALL HIRED....And given the same wages....The last shall be 1st and the 1st shall be last....But they were all given the same wages from the 1st to the last...Which is the Kingdom....Thats y Jesus is saying if i be lifted up ( The Cross )..I will draw ALL men unto me......ALL MEN
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every Creature... Mark 16:15...And his words cannot return unto him void....But the book the N.C. has to be opened 1st....b/f the Kingdom comes in Rev 12 :10...We have to birth the manchild which is the H.G....That New Creature....Thats y he is saying the 1st shall be last and the last 1st...indicative of this 2k yr period of darkness coming to an end...I am the light of the world but the night comes darkness when no man can work....
In Isaiah 11:11.. He saw an ocean of knowledge covering the earth as the waters covering the seas thats everybody ...And this knowledge is an intimacy that is gonna result in a birth of Christ in everybody....Thats y Jeremiah saw ALL MEN in travail and birth pains as woman in travail....Simply b/c this Knowledge is an intimacy....Thats y he has to know us which answers to tree of knowlege in Gen. and this ocean of knowledge covering the earth in Isaiah 11...He is gonna know everybody resulting in a birth of Christ in us Everybody...ok lemme go.... Jeremiah 31:34 I will know them ALL FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST and their sins and iniquites will i remember no more....And its God Almighty that is making this new covenant with the blood of Jesus... if i be lifted up I..will.
I like to flip the question and ask why would a Christ-follower not want to follow Christ? Are there any legitimate reasons not to be baptized in water?
Jesus said this:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16 KJV
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19 KJV
Some Christians I encounter seem quite satisfied and maybe even relieved on their assumption that they don't need to be immersed in water anymore. But is that really what Jesus said and meant?
"John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." Acts 11:16 KJV
Baptism with the Holy Ghost doesn't necessarily mean without water. It seems Jesus indicates the baptism before Jesus arrived was not with the Holy Ghost. And it's noteworthy that even though Jesus was now there, He still was baptized in water! It was so important that even Jesus did it Himself as an example to follow. And then they continued baptizing in water after Jesus left. I see no verse anywhere saying for everyone to stop baptizing in water.
Some are motivated to not be baptized for personal reasons, not for reasons of obedience as a Christ-follower. But it doesn't matter what man thinks, but what God says and He already said to be baptized. So, if following Jesus is important to someone I think that following what Jesus says is important.
Other Christians echoed this about water baptism after Jesus left too, like Paul in Acts 2:38.
It would be brazen to ignore such a clear and obvious command. Others seem confident and willing to gamble on this that they're interpreting it correctly. But obeying involves no risk and no downside, but disobeying and seeing how much one can get away with not doing seems risky. No one is claiming that act itself saves, but deliberately disobeying God while also claiming to follow Him seems questionable.
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth"
Jesus came to fulfill the law. He was the Word become flesh. When he presented the doctrine of his Father he was presenting himself as its fulfillment. He said with vehemence what he as the Man the message would do. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." His death was in dishonor but in his resurrection he proved the Power of the Word Simon Peter addressing men of Israel speaks,"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:/Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."(Ac.2:23-24). He opened a new way, the path of righteousness. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."(1 Co.1:30). All who followed him shall have a standard which is affixed by faith and not by praditions or by precepts of men. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
This is the power given to men.
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Here we have a demonstration of what one means by Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and forever. Mark 16:18 supplied us signs and 'in my name' what happen. "They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." St Paul in Malta proved the viper did not hurt him in fulfillment of the word. Elisha in Gilgal was told by sons of the prophets, "O thou man of God, there is death in the pot." They were not hurt because Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Law or the Word. (2 Ki.4:38-41) "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending."
The Spirit in organizing the Alpha and Omega aspects of the Son brings out the word of God as true which is validated in his Son. The world made flesh and the word revealed by the humanity works equally well with all those who believe in him. An example we have in the Gospel of St Mark. In the last chapter the risen Christ gives the signs that shall follow the believers. It is valid only, 'in my name' for example "They shall take up serpents." ( Mark 16:18), the Spirit adds "And it shall not hurt them."
The Spirit gives us an example in the case of St Paul on the isle of Malta.
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand./And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live./And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm./Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." (Ac.28:3-6)
From lack of understanding with regards to the Holy Spirit and the purpose of the scripture there are some children of Belial in our times who handle serpents as a test of their spiritual prowess. Is God to be tempted by serpent handling?
Mark 16:61-72 Simon Peter denied Christ before the maid who kept the door of the chief priest's palace. "Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee (Matt.26-69)". In the darkness Simon Peter's voice betrayed him. 'Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee (v.73)'. Voice carries much more significance than the mere sound of it. The words that Jesus spoke was not his own. 'He who hears me hears who sent me ( Luke 10:16). Simon Peter forsook all in order to become his disciple. In denying Christ he was also denying the voice of the Lord he heard. Principle of Association (Matt.10:40).
Voice recognition of a Christian is in the way truth in his inward parts matches with his action. Voice of the Lord is dealing with the living word and it is to bring out the full potential of man. It is truth written in his inward parts that places his words and actions in harmony. (1 Co.14:7)
(See under B-betray)
There are a few places in Acts that speak of the whole household being baptized. it doesn't explicitly exclude babies and children. For those who adhere to infant baptism, it is seen as entering into a covenant with God an His community of faith-filled believers. Infant baptism is seen as bringing upon an infant the saving work of God in Christ as parents obey the command of Jesus to baptize ALL nations and instruct these who are baptized in the life of faith in Jesus. Those who practice infant baptism recognized that all are born dead to God and need to be made alive in Christ, which they believe happens through baptism of infants and children because their parents' consent to obey this command of Christ. These believe that the Holy Spirit implants faith in the infant or child in baptism, whereas before they had not faith to believe. They believe in such baptism all the work is done by God in the infant or child. He gives the faith, He gives the forgiveness of sins with the washing of His Word (the gospel) spoken over the child. Denominations that practice infant baptism besides Catholicism are Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian/Anglican, and perhaps others.
Others, who do not embrace infant baptism, allow for children to be baptized upon an open confession of faith in Christ by the child. Some have an age limit, others do not because Jesus said that we are not to hinder children from coming unto him.
Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; Acts 2:3; , Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33 Acts 22:16
Others only allow what is called "believer's baptism" where one must believe the gospel in order to be baptized. Jesus says in Mark 16:16 to believe and be baptized. See also: Acts 2:41; Acts 16:18:8
I think that there is Biblical merit to all of these teachings about Baptism. Each person must pray for the Holy Spirit to lead them as to whether or not their children should be baptized when very young.
"Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake (v.22)"
Who are these sons of Belial? In the Book of Deuteronomy we are shown what they do. You shall know them by their fruits. They have certain zeal but not according to the knowledge as St Paul writes,"that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge(Ro.10:2)"."Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;(De.13:13.)"
These men whose activism is to make others much more worthy of hell by their heretical mindset are sons of Belial. Jesus calls such who know the truth but would not live accordingly as hypocrites. "Hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves(Matt.23:15)". In short they hold their truth in unrighteousness. Their heart is without borders so when they handle serpents they shall not let another ask,'do you have to tempt God' they point to the verse from the gospel ( Mark 16:17) and conveniently ignore the call of Jesus,"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me( Luke 9:23)". 'Denying himself goes with taking up the cross daily which are only two legs for the one who wants to be part of the body of Christ. His eye must be ever on the way followed by Jesus, 'Not my will but thine'.
Sons of Belial are those who have no vision."Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he(Pr.29:18)".
Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32 Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6 Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21 Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
Luke 24:47,48 Jesus said!
Mark 16:16,17 Jesus said!
Acts 2:38,39 Peter preached what Jesus said!
Acts 4:12 No other name!
John 3:1-6 Must be born again of the water & Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 Baptism saves us!
Acts 10:44-48 Can't be good enough without Jesus!
Acts 8:1-6 Ethiopian Eunic gets baptized in Jesus name and starts a 2000 plus year revival still going on today !
Acts 19:1-6 have you received the Holy Ghost since you been a believer?
Acts 5:32 gotta obey Him!
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39 tongues are for a sign!
Acts 2:4 The Spirit gives the utterance!
Acts 1:8 Receive power !
John 21:15 Jesus loves you dearly!!!!!!!
The way I interpret your question is how much must I obey God to get into heaven? What is the bare minimum?
Because some feel inconvenienced to follow Jesus- whether embarrassment or other excuses. And do you have to obey the 10 commandments or any of the other commandments in the Bible? You already know what God says- He called them "commandments" for a reason, but some want to be comforted and hear that you can do whatever you want, whatever feels good, in this world and be ok? If that the hope, that's Satan's message.
It looks like this has received a lot of comments. Some are pushing false teachings which should be called out. It doesn't matter what man says, but what God says, right? Isn't it better to please God than please man?
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 KJV
This clearly says to be a doer of the Word. It's not enough to just hear it and do nothing. Christianity is an action. I don't see anywhere in the Bible saying you're saved on earth before you're even judged. Please share verses that back that up, because I haven't seen any. I see verses saying you can have assurance of salvation. There's verses saying we will be saved, but it doesn't say right now before our life is even over- I believe that's the assumed part that deviates from scripture.
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
Baptism:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
I think its risky to intentionally disobey Jesus, then expect all the benefits.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46
If you don't obey, why even call him Lord? You're not even a follower. This is my interpretation of what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 7:24-27 - Jesus's point of this parable is obeying Him. "doing" "doeth"
and then he said that they should tell his disciples and peter that they should go to galilee to see Jesus and then they went and told them but they did not believe them but still went and then Jesus said to them Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. and then when he was done talking he went to heaven and sat on the right side of God
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Matthew 28:19
John 3:5
Ephesians 4:5
It already says what it says and means what it means, whether someone likes it or not. You can't pick and choose which scriptures you like or dislike like a buffet-style Christianity. I don't think Jesus would approve of that. Water baptism sure was important to Jesus, so much so He was baptized Himself as an example. Wow, God was water baptized so there's no doubt whatsoever what someone needs to do to follow Jesus. Seems like a pretty big crystal clear sign, but people will still find excuses and rationalizations to disobey as they always do.
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" 1 Peter 3:21 KJV
Does this verse above say baptism doth NOT save us, or that it does? I didn't write this, God did. Are your words in perfect alignment with what God said here? Does it say that baptism is unimportant and should be avoided and definitely do NOT be baptized or does it say the opposite of that?
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Matthew 28:19
John 3:5
Ephesians 4:5
It sure seems very important based on these verses, do you agree? Blatant disobedience is not a sign of a true Christian according to what the Bible says.
John 15:10
I've never understood how someone can call himself a Christian but aim to do the very minimum they assume they need to do in order to get to heaven. I don't think Jesus is a bare minimum type of being. He wants all of you like the greatest commandment says: Matthew 22:37-38. It doesn't say love God with only part of your heart and pick and choose whatever you're comfortable with in obeying and its totally cool if you don't do 50% of the stuff in the Bible. The life of a Christian is to be a slave to righteousness. It's not just a get out of hell free card to enjoy following satan and do whatever lust the heart desires. Most will cry Lord Lord at the end assuming they're saved, but will not be. These are people that tell everyone they're saved and will be devastated on how they got it wrong and actually didn't love Jesus like they claimed.
Thanks for your response.
I briefly went through your reply and will read it again when time permits.
It's late here on the east coast.
However we disagree on what I gathered so far.
I believe the purpose of John baptism was to turn the hearts of the people away from Judaism to Christ, not only by what he said but by the area and the audience he approached and by what his Father said.
Luke 1:67-69. "And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
AND hath raised up an horn of salvation for "US" in the house of his servant David;
Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts TILL THE DAY OF HIS SHEWING UNTO ISRAEL.
John came preaching in the wilderness of Judaea.
The religion in that area was Judaism. If publicans was in the that area they witnessed and was aware of the God of the Israelites. " John said prepare the way for the Lord.
They knew that was the God of the Jews.
And Mark 16:16 it says "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED.
"It doesn't say he that is not baptized shall be damned"
If you were standing in the way of my view of something and I said; "Sit down and get out the way"
When you sit down you would have gotten out the way. "You would have accomplished both "
That's the way I take Mark 16:16.
When they believed they were baptized.
It's the Baptism of the Holyspirit mentioned here, Not water. And If it was water baptism it's the believing or not believing that would make the difference here.
As for the creeds. One baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I believe that.
That's the baptism of the Holyspirit. The only baptism that can put you in the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:5-6.
Good night.
Spencer.
Well this is what the verse in Mark 16:16 says, "He that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"
Note that it says "believe and be baptised", not just "believe". Similarly on Pentecost Peter said to the Jews, Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, AND BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.". So we must repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus to have our sins forgiven and be saved.
In Romans 10:9, says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.". That confession the scripture talks about is done during baptism. It is what that eunuch confessed just before Philipp baptised him, Acts 9:37, "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
In w/baptism a believer is making a public confession of their faith to Jesus. It is a "must" so that the remission of sins is completed.
Just for information the early church wrote many creeds of faith. One of the them was the Nicene Creed written in 325 AD in Nicea (in Asia Minor). Among others it says "We affirm(aknowledge or confess) one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.". Creeds were a sum of the major points of faith believed by the early church. I know many do not want to have anything to do with those creeds but still it shows what the church believed in the early 3rd centuary, not so long after Jesus came on earth.
Tomorow I will come back with Baptism of the Holly Spirit.
Just one question. In the incident that Phillip went to Samaria and preached the gospel to them, when do you think those people were born again?
GBU
Khalid's Story
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." ( Mark 16:15, NKJV)
I belong to a Muslim family. When I was 14 years old, I was studying in a convent school in Pakistan. My parents had forced me to learn the Qur'an by heart when I was seven, and so I did. I had a lot of Christian fellows (or acquaintances) at school and was surprised to see them studying because I had always found Christians to be of a low profile in the society.
I discussed and argued a lot with them about the accuracy of the Qur'an and rejection of the Bible by Allah in the Holy Qur'an. I wanted to force them to accept Islam. Often my Christian teacher told me not to do so. He said, "God may choose you as he chose the Apostle Paulus." I asked him to explain who Paulus was because I knew Muhammad only.
A Challenge
One day I challenged the Christians, suggesting that we each burn the other's Holy book. They should burn the Qur'an, and I should do the same with the Bible. We agreed: "The book which would burn, would be false. The book which would not burn would have the truth. God himself would save his Word."
The Christians were frightened by the challenge. Living in an Islamic country and doing such a thing could lead them to face the law and meet its consequences. I told them I would do it by myself.
With them watching, first, I set the Qur'an on fire, and it burned before our eyes. Then I attempted to do the same with the Bible. As soon as I tried, the Bible struck my chest, and I fell to the ground. Smoke surrounded my body. I was burning, not physically, but from a spiritual fire. Then suddenly I saw a man with golden hai
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
We, as humans, can forgive one another without shedding our blood as a sacrifice for the sins of others to bring about forgiveness.
But we should understand that God' s holiness and righteousness far exceeds our own and the offense of even one sin is so great God that it involves the sinner being separated from God eternally unless atonement is made through the blood of His Son.
The blood of Jesus removes the infinite offense to God of even one sin, let alone the sins of the whole world for all time. We cannot compare God's requirements for forgiveness to man's.
We are sinners, God is pure and sinless. We have no sense of what His perfection is like. However, we are told that the plan of salvation was made even before anything was created. So, God's counsel is beyond us to know completely. But Scripture tells just that blood must be shed for sins to be forgiven and that the animal sacrifices of the OT are shadows pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus which is of infinite value compared to that of animals or of sinful mankind.
How precious is this sacrifice of Jesus, the shedding of His blood and the dying of His perfect body on the cross. His sacrifice has made a way for mankind to be reconciled back to God, turning away God's wrath from us and restoring us to God in Jesus' righteousness.
This is the way God has deemed as the only best way for our sins to be forgiven, not by sacrifices we make or offerings, or prayers or religious practices on our part, but only through the shed blood of Jesus unto His death for us.
through the punishment and fulfillment of the cross and the judgment of sin, where he became sin for us. Now that it is done, God has completed His plan of salvation for us and all we have to do is believe; and this is his grace and the new covenant which is his body and his blood.
God had already shown Adam and Eve that when they were in their fallen state and were without the Spirit of God (for He had left the moment they sinned to eat the fruit), He clothed them when they were naked and provided for them. He had to kill animals and taught them and their generations that there is no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood. For it is written in Leviticus 17:11; "For the life of the flesh is in the blood."
Now there is one whose life and blood is more precious than that of bulls and goats; which is he who is life itself: Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice that was made, is made once and lasts forever, and there shall be no more need or time when a new sacrifice needs to be made. Jesus had come in the flesh to tell us these things, to tell us the truth about him because he and the Father are one and he came to show us the Father himself. "Jesus answered: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
The only references I can think of that the Church can appoint as assistants, are found in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles felt that their ministry was being diverted from the Word of God to looking after the physical needs of others (such as to the widows needing help). And the other mention of this type of ministry, which comes under the umbrella of 'deacon', or a part of the office of the 'diaconate', is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, concerning the character & Christian witness of those men so employed.
Colossians 21:12, "Buried w him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen w him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead".
Mark 16:16, " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned".
Mark 16:17, "And these signs which will follow them that believe, In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues".
Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Ghost. Then we must walk in the Spirit & be led by the Spirit. So many say they have the Holy Ghost & they do not. If we dont love this truth, we will be deceived.
We must OBEY the gospel, not just read it. The epistles are not written to the world. It is written to the brethren, to the people that came from the book of Acts. They were water baptized in Jesus name, filled w the Holy Ghost & were a saved people.
There was no such thing as a triune God. It is a devil lie.
The Lord our God is one Lord.
Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven in Matthew.
Matthew 16:19, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven".
There is a remnant that will be saved.
We must continue to grow in the Lord . Never be comfortable.
Dont be like the 5 foolish virgins that did not keep their oil burning.They were not keeping the Holy Ghost full in their hearts. In the end, they were not allowed into the door.
Be full of the Holy Ghost & love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind & strength & love thy neighbor as thyself. With love, this is how we obey his commandments.
Hallelujah and amen
"42And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath(FRIDAY), 43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
Mark 16:1-2,
"1And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2And very early in the morning the first day of the week(SUNDAY), they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun."
Jesus was taken down from the Cross & laid in the sepulchre prior to the commencement of the Sabbath (i.e. before Friday sundown), was in the grave the rest of Friday night, all day Saturday, & into the early hours of Sunday (considered three days). Then it was at day-break Sunday that the two Marys went to the sepulchre & learned that Jesus had risen from the dead. And this first day of the week (Sunday), was celebrated by the apostles & early Church (as it is now) in Christian fellowship, teaching & communion ( Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Matthew 20:1-16....The vineyard...Some were hired early and some were hired late...But in the end they were ALL HIRED....And given the same wages....The last shall be 1st and the 1st shall be last....But they were all given the same wages from the 1st to the last...Which is the Kingdom....Thats y Jesus is saying if i be lifted up ( The Cross )..I will draw ALL men unto me......ALL MEN
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every Creature... Mark 16:15...And his words cannot return unto him void....But the book the N.C. has to be opened 1st....b/f the Kingdom comes in Rev 12 :10...We have to birth the manchild which is the H.G....That New Creature....Thats y he is saying the 1st shall be last and the last 1st...indicative of this 2k yr period of darkness coming to an end...I am the light of the world but the night comes darkness when no man can work....
In Isaiah 11:11.. He saw an ocean of knowledge covering the earth as the waters covering the seas thats everybody ...And this knowledge is an intimacy that is gonna result in a birth of Christ in everybody....Thats y Jeremiah saw ALL MEN in travail and birth pains as woman in travail....Simply b/c this Knowledge is an intimacy....Thats y he has to know us which answers to tree of knowlege in Gen. and this ocean of knowledge covering the earth in Isaiah 11...He is gonna know everybody resulting in a birth of Christ in us Everybody...ok lemme go.... Jeremiah 31:34 I will know them ALL FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST and their sins and iniquites will i remember no more....And its God Almighty that is making this new covenant with the blood of Jesus... if i be lifted up I..will.
It doesn't say we have to "read, in the name of" but when we pray, receive a child, or when people are being baptized,
Jesus name is the principal thing. Matthew 18:5,20, Mark 9:37,39,41,48, Mark 16:15-18, John 14:13,14,26, John 15, John 16:23-28,
Hopefully this is helpful
I like to flip the question and ask why would a Christ-follower not want to follow Christ? Are there any legitimate reasons not to be baptized in water?
Jesus said this:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16 KJV
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19 KJV
Some Christians I encounter seem quite satisfied and maybe even relieved on their assumption that they don't need to be immersed in water anymore. But is that really what Jesus said and meant?
"John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." Acts 11:16 KJV
Baptism with the Holy Ghost doesn't necessarily mean without water. It seems Jesus indicates the baptism before Jesus arrived was not with the Holy Ghost. And it's noteworthy that even though Jesus was now there, He still was baptized in water! It was so important that even Jesus did it Himself as an example to follow. And then they continued baptizing in water after Jesus left. I see no verse anywhere saying for everyone to stop baptizing in water.
Some are motivated to not be baptized for personal reasons, not for reasons of obedience as a Christ-follower. But it doesn't matter what man thinks, but what God says and He already said to be baptized. So, if following Jesus is important to someone I think that following what Jesus says is important.
Other Christians echoed this about water baptism after Jesus left too, like Paul in Acts 2:38.
It would be brazen to ignore such a clear and obvious command. Others seem confident and willing to gamble on this that they're interpreting it correctly. But obeying involves no risk and no downside, but disobeying and seeing how much one can get away with not doing seems risky. No one is claiming that act itself saves, but deliberately disobeying God while also claiming to follow Him seems questionable.
Acts 1:21-22, Acts 2:38,
Acts 16:19-34, Romans 6, 1Corinthians 12, 1Corinthians 12:13, Colossians 2:10-15, 1Peter 3, 1Peter 3:21,22
James 1:5,
Matthew 7, Matthew 25:31-46,
Hopefully these are helpful